A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from the runway during an exercise at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 2, 2013. Air Force Global Strike Command routinely conducts training exercises to ensure its forces can perform their mission when called upon at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Crawford)
Crew members race to their B-52H Stratofortresses at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., during a training exercise, Oct. 2, 2013. Seventeen air crews joined together with aircraft maintainers to ensure combat readiness and their ability to deploy at short notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Crawford)
A B-52H Stratofortess takes off during a 17-jet rapid launch from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 2, 2013.The exercise included B-52 bombers from Barksdale AFB, La., that launched one-by-one as part of the training mission. Exercises are regularly scheduled to check the B-52’s ability to respond to threats at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristoffer Kaubisch)